OXFORD, AL — The City of Oxford will welcome local students into the heart of municipal operations on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, as part of its long-standing Student Government Day tradition.
The annual event gives students from Oxford High School the opportunity to step into real-world leadership roles after being elected by their peers during in-school elections. Participants will spend the day shadowing city officials, gaining firsthand insight into how local government operates.
The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Oxford City Hall, where students will be welcomed by Mayor Alton Craft and members of the city council. Following introductions, students will divide into groups to tour the East Metro Area Crime Center alongside Police Chief Bill Partridge and spend time working with city staff in various departments.
At 11 a.m., the student-elected council will convene for a formal session inside the council chambers at City Hall, allowing participants to experience the legislative process in action.
The program will conclude with one of its most anticipated traditions — a lighthearted “arrest” of two Oxford High School faculty members at 11:30 a.m. The staged event will be followed by a mock trial at Oxford Municipal Court, where students will take on the roles of judge, attorneys, and jury in a courtroom setting designed to be both educational and entertaining.
A lunch will follow at Oxford Performing Arts Center, providing students time to reflect on their experience and engage further with city leaders.
Mayor Craft emphasized the value of the program, noting that it offers students a unique, hands-on opportunity to better understand civic engagement and public service.
“This is one of the days our city staff looks forward to the most,” Craft said. “This is a hands-on and fun way to get the next generation interested and involved in their city government. I and the members of the City Council are always impressed with the ideas they offer as they join with our staff members and look forward to their contributions to our city in the future.”
Student Government Day continues to serve as a meaningful bridge between local government and the next generation, encouraging civic awareness and leadership development among Oxford’s youth.
